Former Meru Governor and Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) leader Kawira Mwangaza has raised concerns over alleged intimidation targeting the Linda Mwananchi caravan ahead of a planned rally in Meru on Sunday, August 30.
In a statement posted on her Facebook account, Mwangaza condemned a video circulating on social media, which she said showed an organised group of youths wearing caps branded with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) colours declaring that the Linda Mwananchi caravan was not welcome in Maua and the wider Igembe region.
According to Mwangaza, the group was heard chanting, “No Linturi, no Linda Mwananchi,” in an apparent reference to former Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Mwangaza, who identifies herself as a Principal of Linda Mwananchi, questioned Linturi’s authority to determine whether the movement can hold activities in the region.
“I am a Principal of Linda Mwananchi, and it is my responsibility to attend Linda Mwananchi activities and rallies. I do not need permission from Mithika Linturi, DCP or anybody else to attend a Linda Mwananchi rally anywhere,” she said.
She further challenged Linturi’s perceived influence in the region, asking, “Who appointed him the gatekeeper of Igembe?”
Mwangaza insisted that Maua and Igembe belong to the people and should remain open to political activities by different groups.
“Maua does not belong to Mithika Linturi. Igembe does not belong to Mithika Linturi,” she stated.
The former governor also condemned what she described as the use of youths to intimidate political opponents, calling on security agencies to intervene.
“The threats contained in that video are unacceptable. Organising young people, dressing them in political colours and using them to intimidate political opponents is not leadership. It is goonism,” Mwangaza said.
She urged the National Police Service and security leadership in Meru to take the alleged threats seriously and ensure the safety of leaders, supporters and residents attending the rally.
Mwangaza also challenged those seeking the Meru governorship to engage voters through their political agenda rather than intimidation.
“If you want to be governor of Meru, face the people with your agenda,” she said.
Despite the alleged threats, Mwangaza maintained that she would attend the Linda Mwananchi activities in Igembe and other parts of the country.
“I have faced intimidation before. I am still standing tall. I am not a coward, and threats will not stop me from going to Igembe or any part of Kenya,” she said.
She concluded her statement with a firm declaration, “I will be there,” while insisting that “Meru is free. Igembe is free. Maua is free.”
